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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/18/almost-nine-in-ten-australians-support-plan-to-outlaw-lies-in-political-advertising-poll-shows>
"Almost nine in 10 Australians support truth in political advertising laws,
with majorities of both yes and no voters concerned about “lies and
misinformation” during the voice referendum debate.
Those are the results of a survey of 1,547 voters by the Australian Institute
conducted from the close of polls on Saturday evening to Tuesday, which also
calls on the Albanese government to come up with new solutions to close the
gap.
The results are a further boost for Labor’s plans to introduce truth in
political advertising laws ahead of the next federal election, which the prime
minister, Anthony Albanese, has confirmed in following the referendum defeat.
Around 87% of those surveyed called for truth in political advertising laws in
time for the next election, including 92% of those who voted yes for an
Indigenous voice in the constitution and 83% of those who voted no.
Respondents were asked if they agreed with the proposition, “I am concerned
about lies and misinformation that circulated on social media during the
referendum campaign”.
About 72% said they were concerned, compared with 15% who said they were not.
Of those who voted yes, 89% were concerned; of those who voted no, 62% were
concerned.
The Australia Institute director, Richard Denniss, said, “while I have no doubt
that all the votes cast in the referendum were valid, I also have no doubt that
many of the arguments and claims that influenced those votes were not”.
“Whether it is an election or a referendum, voters should go to the polls armed
with the facts,” he said. “In Australia, it is perfectly legal to lie in a
political ad – and it shouldn’t be.”"
Long overdue. The very first time I voted, I was astonished at the lies during
the campaign and actually asked the family lawyers if it was legal! They told
me that unfortunately it was.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
